Ancient Genes May Heighten the Risk of Diseases Such as Diabetes and Lupus

Genes surviving in people from long-vanished Neanderthals may exact a medical price on modern humankind, two independent research teams reported Wednesday.

The DNA inherited through interbreeding with Neanderthals 50,000 years ago or so probably helped early humans adapt to Ice Age temperatures and weaker sunlight as they first migrated out of Africa, likely by affecting skin color and hair, the researchers said. But other ancient...